Date: 11/11/2014
Pine Hill Orchards, located 30 minutes north of Amherst in Colrain, MA, is a 75 acre orchard run by David and Matt Shearer.
Of course, apples make up a big component of their farm. During the fall, you can visit their orchard to pick your own apples and ride on their tractor. For wholesale purchasers like UMass Dining, they can keep apples of all varieties fresh for up to ten months in their temperature-regulated storage facility. They also make their own sweet cider and cider donuts!
In addition to apples, they also produce peaches, blueberries, pumpkins, squash, strawberries, and tomatoes.
Like many of the other farms featured in the Farmer of the Week program, Pine Hill employs Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices in order to protect their food, workers, and land to the greatest extent possible from pesticides.
Nonetheless, the orchard founded in 1972 is only one aspect of their business. They also have their own restaurant, bakery, and market right on their property. Just by reading their breakfast menu, their commitment to local businesses is evident. They serve locally roasted coffee, local maple syrup, local milk, and yes, their very own fresh-pressed apple cider. The market features even more local products, including grass-fed beef and unique crafts handmade in Western Mass.
UMass Dining is fortunate to have a partner like Pine Hill Orchards that demonstrates a strong commitment to its neighbors and local community.
For more information, visit www.pinehillorchards.com or search Pine Hill Orchards on Facebook.